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FOOD

TRICK OR TREAT!

4

While recently woodworking in the garage, my husband had a small scuffle

with the router saw. Router, 1. Fingertip, 0. And while I can happily report

that his finger is healing nicely and we are no longer worried about the

future of his mechanical dexterity, the gruesome mishap and E.R. visit were

the inspiration for these bloody good Halloween treats.

Glass Shard CupcakesOuch! This cupcake looks dangerous, but you’ll risk a few stitches for its

deliciously tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s also surprisingly easy to make.

The cupcake and frosting: I found a delicious red velvet cupcake recipe

from www.sallysbakingaddiction.com, but either white or red velvet box

mixes would look great, too, if you’re short on time.

Top them with my cream cheese frosting recipe: whip together an 8-ounce

box of cream cheese, a stick of butter (both at room temperature), a tsp. of

vanilla extract, and about one cup of confectioner’s (powdered) sugar. Add

more sugar if you prefer sweeter, stiffer frosting.

The “blood”: Cherry pie filling worked well and tasted yummy with the

cream cheese. Use a strainer to separate the cherries from the glaze, then

use a food processor to blend the cherries till nearly smooth. Mix equal

parts of blended cherries with glaze, and add one drop of blue food

coloring to deepen the color.

The “glass”: Using a spun sugar recipe from www.howtocookthat.net, I

boiled the sugar as noted but instead of making spun strands, I carefully

poured the mixture onto a rimmed baking sheet to cool, quickly tilting the

pan from side to side to allow the mixture to spread out and create thin

“glass.” Let sit to harden, which took about an hour. Then tap the center

with a large spoon to shatter into shards.

To decorate: Pipe frosting onto a cupcake with a large round tip, then dip

the flat end of a shard into the cherry mixture, and push into the frosting.

Spoon cherry mixture on either side of the shard till it begins to run down

the side. Serve!

Severed Finger CookiesThe most gruesomely fun cookie you’ll ever make is also a tasty one! I

tweaked a recipe from www.rachaelraymag.com by substituting almond

extract and adding red and yellow food coloring to create a fleshy color.

Be sure to keep the dough cold and shape pinky-sized cookies or they will

look like they were steamrolled. Use a butter knife to gently score a few

creases, and press the blade’s flat edge into the tip to make a space for the

almond. Dip an almond slice into the cherry mixture (that you used for the

glass cupcakes) and press into the space. If almond tips break, don’t worry!

They’ll look even more realistic after they bake. To add to the realism,

gently brush a little cocoa powder into the creases. Once cooled, dip the

severed end into the cherry mixture. Or, let guests dip the fingers into a

bowl of the mixture. We were delightfully grossed out by the results. My

friend even had goosebumps!

Mummy CupcakesWe went through mounds of gauze dressing his finger — enough to wrap

a mummy! In fact, it was easier to make these darling mummy cupcakes

than wrap that wicked wound.

I found ready-made fondant and candy eyes at the local market and used

chocolate and red velvet cupcakes. A bit of the cream cheese frosting

helped glue down the eyes (tinted green to make the eyes stand out),

and thinly rolled out fondant was cut into strips with a pizza cutter. Place

trimmed strips strategically along the mummy’s face, and done! And not a

bit of flesh was spared.

Although making these creepy treats was in good ol’ tongue-in-cheek fun,

let this harrowing tale be a lesson for you: keep your digits away from sharp,

severed or seeping things — unless they’re slathered in buttercream!

By Jeana Coleman

tastyHALLOWEEN

TREATS

5

HalloweeN TraditionsI n G e r m a n y

Though Halloween is primarily a North

American holiday, Germany has started

celebrating more and more. From media

influence to the influx of American soldiers

after the end of World War II, Germans have

been exposed to American customs. While

the Americans certainly play a large role,

credit for bringing Halloween to Germany is

also given to the German Association for the

Toy Industry, which campaigned to promote

Halloween after carnival was canceled in

1991 because of the First Gulf War. Since

then, Halloween has become the third most

popular holiday, after Christmas and Easter.

Since festivals are one of the most popular

ways to celebrate in Germany, what better

way to celebrate Halloween than to have

a pumpkin festival? Though not all of the

pumpkin festivals have ties with Halloween,

there are certainly some that encourage

costumes and the Halloween theme. Other

pumpkin festivals are more focused on the

fall harvest season, though equally as fun.

For the ultimate haunted house, many

Halloween enthusiasts find themselves

at the Frankenstein Castle Halloween

party in Pfungstadt, which promises

to make your blood run cold while

adrenaline courses through your body

as you are scared senseless. Children can

enjoy a less spooky party on Sundays

filled with food, fun and no fear.

Trick-or-treating can be found in Germany,

though mostly only in larger cities. This

tradition isn’t as widely practiced because

children go out in costumes to collect treats

on St. Martin’s Day on Nov. 11. If you do see

German children, or even adults dressed

up for Halloween, their costumes are likely

on the scarier side. With so many other

opportunities to dress up during the year,

Germans tend to stick with more frightening

masks and costumes. If you do have the

pleasure of German trick-or-treaters, you’ll

hear them say “Süßes oder Saures!”

While Halloween is certainly present in

Germany, there are still some that aren’t

fond of the celebration, as it directly

interferes with a religious holiday.

Reformation Day also falls on Oct. 31, and is

a Protestant religious celebration of when

Martin Luther started religious and social

changes throughout Europe. There are some

states in Germany where this is a public

holiday, and many businesses are closed.

If you are looking to celebrate Halloween

in Germany, it’s likely that you won’t have

to search very hard. Embrace the local way

and head to a haunted castle or pumpkin

festival. Don’t forget to find the scariest

costume possible if it’s a dress up event

and definitely watch any of the “Halloween”

movies to get in the holiday spirit!

Children running around decked out head to toe in elaborate costumes, desperately trying to collect the most possible candy before mom and dad take them home, is one of the many highlights of an American Halloween. Watching “Hocus Pocus” for the 20th time, carving pumpkins, singing the monster mash and roasting pumpkin seeds are a few other traditions in which children participate. Adults flock towards haunted houses and tend to use pumpkin spice in every imaginable food. But what about Halloween in Germany?

By Jessica Zen

FESTIVE IDEAS

6

Superstition is a “widely held but irrational belief in supernatural influences, es-

pecially as leading to good or bad luck…” In the States, we jump out of the way

of black cats, avoid walking beneath ladders and try not to associate anything

with the number 13 for fear of bad luck. In Germany, many commonly held

superstitions or “Aberglaube” are similar. For instance, shattering a mirror brings

misfortune and throwing a pinch of spilled salt over your shoulder will ward off

evil spirits. However, there are a few different ones which may surprise you.

THE “ABERGLAUBE” EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW

Befriend the chimney sweep. Shaking hands with your neighborhood chim-

ney sweep is thought to bring good luck, especially around the New Year.

Knock on the “Stammtisch.” If you’ve got a favorite pub or bar, be sure to

knock on the “Stammtisch” or regulars’ table. According to the lore, tables are

traditionally made of oak. Oak wood is considered holy, which the devil can’t

touch. So, by knocking on the table, you’re proving to your peeps you’re not the

devil. Win, win for everyone.

Pressing your thumbs together. Americans tend to cross their fingers for good

luck, or use the phrase, “I’ll keep my fingers crossed!” Don’t. In Germany, cross-

ing those digits means you’re lying and dishonest. Instead, press your thumbs

together or say, “Ich drücke dir die Daumen!” — “I press my thumbs for you!”

Wish someone a happy birthday on the actual day — not before. If we

know our friend is celebrating another trip around the sun, there’s usually

no harm in wishing them a happy day before their actual birthday. Germans

believe this is bad form and could bring bad luck, so please just wait until the

actual day for well wishes and celebrations.

Don’t even think about toasting with water … ever. Even if you choose not

to imbibe the local brews, be sure you don’t “Prost!” with water. Essentially,

you’d be wishing death upon your drinking buddies. Not exactly the best way

to make new friends.

Beware of older women when walking. Old folklore has it out for elderly

women. It’s said if you walk between two “old ladies,” you’re bringing nothing

but trouble upon yourself.

Brot und Salz. To welcome a new neighbor or attending a housewarming

event, bringing “Brot und Salz” (bread and salt) would be perfectly acceptable.

This signifies wishes of the residents not going hungry in their new home. Just

be sure to leave any knives at home; these are considered harbingers of injury

and death. Definitely not a good first impression.

Cover your mouth when yawning. With good hygiene practices on the fore-

front of our minds, covering you mouth when yawning is not only polite and

helps control the spread of germs, but it also helps ward off any evil spirits lurk-

ing around. Covering up prevents any demons from entering your body.

As you navigate the superstitious waters of German culture, I’ll press my

thumbs for you and raise my favorite Hefeweizen while yelling “Prost!”

Superstitions

EmbracingGERMANY

By Stacy Roman

GERMAN LIVING

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There are

roughly 20,000 castles

throughout Germany, so you

don’t have to go very far to find

one. Each one has its own

unique history and

spooky folklore.

CreepyCastles

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Something many don’t know about me is my parents are paranormal

investigators. Really. They have all the scientific equipment, they go on ghost

hunts and they’ve even captured “evidence.” So, my “spook-meter” is probably

more liberal than most, but after extensive research and internet rabbit holes,

here are the top three creepiest castles the Pfalz has to offer.

Burg Frankenstein Not to be confused with the Frankenstein Castle ruins located in Frankenstein,

Burg Frankenstein is a 700-year-old hilltop castle in Odenwald looming over

the city of Darmstadt. There is much debate on whether or not the castle

inspired Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel but there is plenty that makes this castle

spooky aside from a fictional monster and its crazy creator.

It was home to a real-life mad scientist, Johann Konrad Dippel. According

to legend, Dippel practiced alchemy and performed experiments on stolen

cadavers, including “soul-transference,” attempting to transfer the soul of

one cadaver into another. Dippel is rumored to haunt the castle grounds,

especially around Christmas and New Year’s.

Present-day Burg Frankenstein is a mere crumbling shell, adding to its

ghostly appearance. A classic German foggy fall day provides the perfect

eerie ambiance needed for the hairs to stand up on your neck or a really cool

Instagram photo. There is a restaurant and chapel on-site, providing incredible

views of the Rhine.

Post World War II, the grounds were used as an American military base. The

castle soon became the hot spot for the troops’ annual Halloween party, a

tradition carried on each year. The costume party now draws in 2,500 people

donned as witches, vampires and naturally, a few Frankenstein monsters.

However, it could be canceled this year due to the pandemic.

Burg EltzWhat do you get when you mix a very independent countess, an undesirable

suitor and a battle ax? A super haunted castle.

Burg Eltz is a gorgeous castle in Wierschem, north of the Moselle between

Koblenz and Cochem. Its dramatic architecture, long cobblestone uphill

walkway and isolation among a thick forest would be the perfect opening

shot for a classic horror film.

Its primary paranormal tenant is Countess Agnes Eltz. Her father, the Count,

promised his daughter to a knight. Agnes was just not that into him and when

she physically revolted at the knight’s advances, he was furious and threw his

glove in her face. It was quite the scandal and I am definitely Team Agnes.

One year later, the knight waited for Agnus’ father and brothers to go on a

hunting trip to storm the castle. When Agnes spotted the battle, she threw

on her brother’s armor and fought bravely. Her former fiancé fired an arrow

at who he thought was a knight but as she crashed to the ground, he realized

it was his former bride-to-be. Agnes’ battle armor is still hanging in her

bedroom, which is open to the public. She is still believed to haunt the castle

grounds with visitors and staff reporting disembodied voices, doors locking

and unlocking on their own and full-body apparitions forming.

Burg ReichensteinReichenstein is a castle-turned-hotel, nestled in the banks of the River Rhine

just 15 minutes north of Bingen. It’s home to one of the most gruesome

legends in Germany. Dietrich von Hohenfels and his nine robber baron sons

were captured and held at the castle. Dietrich begged the king to take his life

but spare his sons. The king said he was going to behead Dietrich but if his

body could walk past all nine sons he would spare their lives. Folklore claims

once beheaded, Dietrich’s headless body stumbled past all nine sons before

collapsing. The king, naturally very freaked out, kept his word and released the

group. Castle visitors claim to see the headless ghost of Dietrich von

Hohenfels wandering the grounds.

You can tour Burg Reichenstein and its museum where you’re able

to walk through the music room, private chambers, art gallery and

library. Audio tours are offered in both German and English. If you

want to take it one step further, you can stay in one of the castle’s

modest or lavish rooms. The hotel part of the castle has rave reviews

for its historic feel, modern furnishings and fantastic views of the

valley or the river. The potential to see a headless apparition is

included in the price of your room.

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With its rugged, mountainous wilderness, unspoiled

coastal towns, quaint medieval architecture, cut-

ting-edge fashion sense and arguably the world’s best

beer, it’s a wonder Belgium doesn’t rank higher on the

list of outbound destination countries for U.S. residents,

falling short of perennial traveler favorites Britain,

France, Italy and Spain.

By Karen Bradbury

BELGIUMEXPLORE THE BEAUTY OF

TRAVEL INSPIRATION

GHENT

12

Those who wish to set their sights on a country smaller than the state

of Maryland might be taken aback to discover that no Belgian tourist

authority exists, for the country is divided.

Three separate authorities tout Belgium’s touristic pull: the Tourist Office

for Flanders - Brussels promotes the Dutch-dialect speaking Flemish com-

munity; Wallonia Belgium Tourism extolls the wonders of French-speaking

Wallonia and the Brussels Tourist Agency keeps visitors informed about

the capital’s hopping cultural agenda.

While tourists need not ponder the reasons behind this political and cul-

tural divide extensively (language and economics), it’s helpful to know of

its existence. Following in the model set by the official tourist agencies, we

propose three separate itineraries, taking in the best sights of each region:

Wallonia

Our tour of Wallonia begins in Bastogne. The place where the Battle of

the Bulge was fought and won is an essential stop for U.S. military history

buffs. Retrace the steps of the heroic American soldiers who stopped the

Nazi advance, but at great cost: By the time the largest battle ever fought

by the U.S. Army ended on Jan. 25, 1945, 10,276 Americans were killed,

47,493 wounded and 23,218 missing. Pay tribute to the lives lost at the

Bastogne War Museum and Mardasson Memorial.

Heading northwest, we stop in La-Roche-en-Ardenne. One of the most

popular destinations within the mountainous and heavily forested Ar-

dennes region, this city perched prettily by a bend in the River Ourthe is

overlooked by a feudal castle.

Next stop is Wallonia’s capital city Namur, where a hulking fortress keeps

watch over the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre Rivers. The large

golden statue of a man riding a turtle is the work of high-profile contem-

porary artist Jan Fabre. Fans of striking architecture shouldn’t miss the

beautiful 17th century Baroque Saint-Loup Church with its vaulted ceiling

of carved sandstone.

TRAVEL INSPIRATION

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We continue west to our last stop of Mons,

described as “charming” by Victor Hugo back

in 1837 and no less lovely today. The beauty

of its belfry, collegiate church and Grand Place

landed it a spot on the list of UNESCO World

Heritage sites. Before leaving, pat the head of

the Monkey of the Grand Garde with your left

hand, which according to local folklore, assures

you of good luck.

Flanders

We begin exploration of Flanders in Antwerp,

Europe’s second-largest seaport. The don’t-miss

sights here include the lively Grote Markt, a

square of gabled houses that once belonged

to powerful guilds. It’s dominated by a majestic

Town Hall, and nearby stands the Cathedral

of Our Lady, Belgium’s largest Gothic church.

Visits to Antwerp must include a stroll through

the diamond district to browse shop windows

brimming with bling.

We head west to Ghent, an exquisitely pre-

served gem of the Middle Ages. Saint Bavo’s

Cathedral houses the Van Eyck brothers’ mas-

terpiece “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,” a

painting that’s stirred much buzz on social me-

dia due to a restoration of a lamb’s face some

describe as alarmingly human. Other architec-

tural highlights include the Gravensteen Castle

and the facades of the houses along the gentle

River Leie. Overnight visitors should try to catch

a concert in what UNESCO has deemed a “City

of Music” — just one of five worldwide.

A short jaunt further west, Bruges delights with

a fairy-tale perfect medieval core lined with

cobblestone streets and handsome stone edi-

fices, overlooked by the Belfort bell tower. The

jewel in Bruges’ crown is its network of canals

spanned by arched bridges. If the weather is in-

clement, head inside to shop for exquisite lace

designs or decadent chocolate pralines.

Our tour of Flanders concludes on the North

Sea coast, not in the bustling seaside town of

Ostend but slightly further north, in Knok-

ke-Heist. This resort town is definitely high-end,

with designer clothes shops and art galleries

attracting well-heeled vacationers. Rent a bike

and cycle past sweeping expanses of sand to

your left and the Zoute district’s extravagant

villas to your right. Keep pedaling northward

and soon you’ll hit a nature preserve and the

Dutch border.

Brussels

Don’t be dismayed if your first impression of

Brussels is one of urban sprawl—like many

large cities of international stature, it has its

share of bland infrastructure and grit. Stroll-

ing through Brussels’ diverse neighborhoods

reveals a more beguiling nature. The Sablon is

an old and elegant quarter known for antiques

markets and chocolatiers. The Mont des Arts

area heaves with museums and historical mon-

uments. Sainte-Catherine is known for hipster

cafes and trendy restaurants. In Marolles, where

the “real people” live, you’ll find secondhand

stores and traditional eating establishments.

Our tour of Belgium concludes, fittingly, in the

Grand-Place. One of the world’s prettiest central

squares is surrounded by opulent guild houses,

the soaring Gothic City Hall, and the Maison du

Roi, home to the Brussels City Museum. If you’re

feeling too overwhelmed to enter this treasure

trove of paintings, tapestries and priceless

artifacts including the original Manneken Pis

statue, just take a seat at the Le Roy d’Espagne

brasserie and contemplate the square’s beauty

over another of the country’s greatest treasures:

its beer.

Bruges delights with a fairy-tale perfect medieval core lined with cobblestone streets and handsome stone edif ices.

BRUSSELS

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O dear Belgium O, holy land of the fathers,

Our soul and our heart are devoted to you!

— BELGIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM

TRAVEL INSPIRATION

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1. The market is filled with colorful

buildings and provides a gorgeous

view of the Belfry Tower.

2. With many canal cruises, you’re able

to capture the essence of this city

on the water.

3. Belgian eats such as fries, mussels,

waffles and chocolate will leave

your stomach wanting more.

4. Belgian beers come in many differ-

ent varieties and will not disappoint!

5. There are 23 windmills to

admire! Saint Janshuismolen is a

well-known one.

6. For those who like the film “In

Bruges,” the 15 filming locations will

keep you entertained.

7. There are so many bikes you can rent

from to explore the city.

8. The beautiful autumnal foliage

along the canals will be the star of

your Instagram feed.

9. Romance will be rekindled at the

Lovers’ Bridge and Lake of Love.

10. Much like the buildings, the night-

life is vibrant and colorful.

By Mary Del Rosario

10 Reasons to LoveBruges

TRAVEL INSPIRATION

18

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LandstuhlLandstuhlin Mediceumin Mediceum

Kaiserstrasse 171Landstuhl, Germany 66849Tel: +49 (0)6371 1300921Email: dentistry4kidz@hotmail.comwww.dentistry4kidzlandstuhl.de

Aixa M. Torres-Ramirez, D.M.D.former USAF

American Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

TRAVEL INSPIRATION

The scenic village of Giethoorn, often referred to as the “Venice of the north,” offers a similar experience to

the famous canal city, but without the excessive crowds. Giethoorn should be on your radar as the perfect

destination for a relaxing day spent on the water. From the charming thatched-roof houses to the calming

waters, this fairytale village is sure to steal your heart!

WHY GO THERE

Giethoorn, Netherlands

20

The village name originates from the discovery of hundreds of

goat horns in the area that were left over from a flood in the

10th century! Though today you won’t find any goat horns mill-

ing in the water, there is still plenty to see. Giethoorn’s fascinat-

ing landscape can attribute its layout to peat harvesters. When

they were cutting the peat (decayed vegetable matter used

for fertilizer or fuel), they created ponds, canals, lakes and the

islands where houses were built. As several houses and busi-

nesses are only accessible today from the water, the best way

to get around Giethoorn is by boat.

A punter is a common narrow boat,

propelled by a long pole, used in the

area for transportation. If you’d prefer

something a little more modern you

can opt for a whisper boat, which is

a dinghy powered by an electric mo-

tor. There are over 55 miles of canoe

trails to explore in the area and over

150 beautiful bridges to glide under.

Schedule a boat tour to learn about

the area and the traditions that go

along with these adorable thatched-

roof cottages. For those with a more

adventurous streak, rent a transparent

inflatable ball that allows you to get

inside and walk on water!

Perhaps the most relaxing way to pass the time in this fairytale

village is dining on the water’s edge. Enjoy a romantic dinner

at De Lindenhof, where you will be pampered in a setting that

has been awarded two Michelin stars! Indulge in the surprise

menu which features 12 small courses, all lovingly prepared by

Chef Martin Kruithof. If you are so inclined, you can even spend

the night at the small hotel here. The cozy atmosphere and

staff will make you feel right at home.

Another delightful restaurant option on the water is Hollands

Venice. Here you’ll find various terraces that overlook the

Weerribben-Wieden nature reserve. For over 80 years, this eatery

has been serving up seasonal dishes made from pure ingredi-

ents that are sure to make your taste buds sing. If you have the

pleasure of dining here for dinner, you’ll find items like lasagna

Bolognese or codfish with marinated vegetables on the menu.

While you’re floating down the peaceful canals, be sure to stop

at one of the village museums. “Het Olde Maat Uus” Museum

features traditional farmhouses from a century ago. Museum

de Oude Aarde is home to a collection of gemstones and min-

erals. The Histomobil has a collection of old cars, motorcycles

and carriages.

Located just an hour and a half from Amsterdam, Giethoorn

is the perfect place to add to any Netherlands itinerary. Enjoy

a day spent leisurely floating down the beautiful canals and

admiring the quaint village houses that are lovingly tended to.

Dine on some seriously sensational food and get away from

the hustle and bustle of the city. Giethoorn is the ideal location

to unwind and get lost with nature.

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The charming water village of Giethoorn is home to less than 3,000 people and known as the “Dutch Venice.” This

amazing village is located in the province of Overijssel in the east of the Netherlands. Here you can gently glide

through the canals as you view traditional thatched-roof farmhouses. Spend the day drifting under wooden bridges,

followed by enjoying delicious cuisine at a waterfront restaurant in this incredibly serene setting.

By Jessica Zen

ON YOUR RADARGiethoorn, Netherlands

21

86 FSS • Ramstein Air Base • october 2020

More events and information: www.86FSS.com | DSN 480-9983 | CIV 06371-47-9983 Sca

n M

e

For

Job

s@ RamsteinFSS*No federal endorsement of sponsors intended.

Fall Antique and Craft FairVisit the Ramstein Community Center on 3 October

from 1000-1700 and 4 October from 1100-1700, for

the Antique and Craft Fair. Vendors will feature a

variety of items including jewelry, paintings, food, and

home accessories. For more information contact the

Community Center at 06371-47-6600.

Ramstein Food Delivery OptionsLet us bring the food to you! Three of our restaurants are

offering delivery on Ramstein Air Base. Macaroni Grill is

now delivering to the KMCC lodging tower. P.F. Chang’s

and Pizza Gallerie are delivering to all of RAB. Make sure

you’re following us on Facebook @RamsteinFSS for the

latest delivery updates.

Social Hour at the ClubsWe’re ready to party at Social Hour! Join us at Wings

Lounge in the Officers’ Club or Club E’ in the Enlisted

Club. Social hour is every Friday starting at 1600. For

more information, contact the Clubs front desk at

06371-47-2333.

Ramstein Outdoor Recreation TripsSaar River Hike and Rappel, 10 October

Rhein River Climbing Path, 18 October

Ramstein Tickets and ToursTune in for Travel Tuesday on AFN K-Town and get all

the latest travel news with RTT. The show airs from

0700-0800 and is a can’t miss for the travel enthusist.

For more details vist www.rtttravel.com.

English speaking all-day school from kindergarden to year 8

Internationally recognized and established programs

Experienced, highly qualified learning facilitators

Individualized learning in a respectful, stress-free and creative atmosphere

Before and after school care available 7am until 5pm

International School Westpfalz

International School Westpfalz

Marktstraße 37

66877 Ramstein-Miesenbach

Tel. 06371 9994810

info@is-westpfalz.de

www.is-westpfalz.de

NEWYears 7 + 8

from August2020